Archive-name: autos/chrysler-faq/general/part2
Posting-Frequency: 100 days
Last-modified: 2011/10/5
Version: 4.95

This section is generally revised every 440 days.

  IMPORTANT. Do not attempt to respond to faq_at_allpar.com.
  Due to spam this address DOES NOT GO ANYWHERE.
  Instead, use the form at http://www.allpar.com/i/form.html
  Thank you.
  - - - - - - - - - - - -
DISCLAIMER:
  While every effort has been taken to insure the accuracy of the
  information contained in this FAQ list compilation, the author and
  contributors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for
  damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
  Some of the information is presented as opinion rather than fact.
  The writers and the maintainer do not claim to be authorities.
  information below may be reproduced in any way IF credit is
  given to the writers and maintainer; and that it is not published in
  book or magazine form without the prior written permission of the
  maintainer; that the maintainer receives, without asking, a FREE
  copy of the final material; and that no changes are made (except for
  formatting) without the express permission of the maintainer
  (David Zatz of allpar.com).
  - - - - - - - - - - - -
  If you did not obtain this FAQ from one of its
  newsgroups or from the rtfm.mit.edu archives, it is probably
  NOT current. The latest copy may be obtained from
  http://www.allpar.com/faq.html
- - - - - - - - - - - -

PART II

*************************CONTENTS*****************************
What should I do...
1. ... before I post?
2. ... (removed)
3. ... if I have problems with Chrysler?
4. ... if I own this car? (list of models and what to look for)

Oil Filter Discussion

List of All Engines Since 1966
1. Guide to V-8s
2. New transmission designations decoded (new!)

List of All Body Styles Since 1966

***********************************************************************
BEFORE POSTING WITH COMPLAINTS/QUESTIONS

1. Check the FAQ. Most answers are there.

2. Please don't post messages like "this broke and I will speak to the
dealer about it sometime." Go to the dealer first; if they cannot fix
it, and it is not in the FAQ, THEN go to the newsgroup.

3. If you are having problems with Chrysler, and have not yet read the
relevant FAQ section, please do so. At least call them (800-992-1997).

4. If you are having problems with Chrysler and are angry and bitter
   at them, an angry message or two is fine. But you won't help
   anyone by going overboard.

***********************************************************************
HOW TO DEAL WITH CHRYSLER CORP.
***********************************************************************

   (Note: Thanks to Dan Adams for his help with parts of this -
    Chrysler Corp should be grateful to have him!)

* The order in which you should deal with a problem is something like
this:
   1. Speak politely but assertively with the service writer.
   2. Ask to go for a ride with the mechanic and discuss relevant issues
wuth them.
   3. Service manager.
   4. 800 992 1997.
   5. Zone (voluntary buyback negotiations IF APPLICABLE)
   6. Arbitration / Consumer Affairs / Attorney General if applicable
AND needed.

* Be *polite* and *calm* but assertive at all times. Do not take "no"
for an answer but do *not* act angry or make threats. Chrysler sometimes
helps, even out of warranty, but they need to be gently pushed; they are
generally defensive; and they have a strange impression that all dealers
are wonderful and honest while most customers are scum. The Customer Center
reps
often don't know what they're talking about, so elaboration may help; they
are not car people or particularly well paid. If all else fails, call back
and speak to someone else. Always take down their name for your reference!

* Know what you're talking about. Check the FAQ, TSBs, your computer
codes, and recalls before you visit the dealer with a problem.

* Don't expect Chrysler to change something because it's listed in a TSB
(technical service bulletin). TSBs describe solutions to problems which
may not apply to your car; they are *not* recalls, though Chrysler often
fixes cars out of warranty if there is a known problem and TSB on it.

* Even if you are in an adversarial relationship, act in a friendly,
nonthreatening, non-adversarial manner. It works better and makes both
parties less angry.

* Daniel Adams writes: Chrysler corparte headquarters does tend to back
the field reps but a good service writer can get to them and help you
more than you would believe. Don't take your frustration out on the service
writers, they carry quite a bit of pull behind the scenes. [And sometimes
it helps to know who the good service writers are.]

* Don't take "no" for an answer. Call Chrysler at 800-992-1997 from a
pay phone if you have to. They will call the dealer. Often, the dealer
will discover they don't need to charge you or keep your car after all!

* If your dealer keeps fixing the same thing over and over again, get
another dealer. Or try the newsgroup.

* If your dealer treats you badly, lies to you, refuses to do the work,
etc., get another dealer.

* Consider service BEFORE buying the car when you choose a dealer. Also
consider asking the salesman who the best service writer is.

* If you have a continuing problem, speak to the people at the Customer
Center. You may need to deal with a zone rep, the final word at
Chrysler. Others can overrule them but THEY (generally) WILL NOT. Some reps are
good. Others are useless. There have been many reports that the reps in
some areas are exceedingly sensitive and need to be handled with kid
gloves. (See message about service writers above -- they can often get
action where ordinary mortals cannot).

* Note: if, as Continental Auto Body (of Wyckoff, New Jersey) did to my
car, your dealer should get your car into an accident, immediatly retain
a lawyer and find out what your options are. Examine the damage
personally before they have a chance to cover it up and lie about it.

****** NON-CHRYSLER SOLUTIONS ****** (after internal solutions fail)

courtesy of http://www.acarplace.com/

* Contact your local consumer affairs department. Note: May not work in
states with a predominantly anti-government/libertarian attitude.

  1. File an official lemon law complaint with your state. This
     will get their attention and help negotiation. You can
     usually get a better deal through negotiation than in court.
     Hiring a lemon law specialist may help - good ones will offer
     to negotiate *first.* Chrysler has a reputation for being easy!

  2. Go through the Customer Arbitration Board. Results with this
      group have been mixed.

* Most lawyers don't know the first thing about lemon law! A good one
will know the people at the zone office and will try to
talk nice to them to solve the problem. If negotiation is not their
first move, they are not the right lawyer.

* Your chances of getting cash are slim. You will probably get a credit
(buy-back). You will usually not get all of your money back. Chrysler
tends to follow state laws; most impose a penalty on each mile of use
before the first lemon-type complaint. This is normal and OK.

* Go through the latest TSBs again. Something new might have come up.

*Whenever your dealer lies to you or is too incompetent, send a letter
to Dealer Agreements or the Customer Center, Box 302, Centerline, MI
48015. It may not help you but it might help someone else! (Actually, it
may not help anyone else, either).

* If in a dispute with a five-star dealer, feel free to return your
customer satisfaction survey with very negative ratings. Dan Adams
assures us that these surveys are taken very seriously. Be aware that
all surveys are also given to th